A romantic, stress-free way to say “I do” in downtown Houston
Hi friends. If you’re here, I’m guessing you want a wedding day that feels intentional, simple, and still wildly meaningful. A Houston courthouse elopement is one of my favorite ways to get married because it strips away the pressure and makes room for what matters most. The two of you. The promise you’re making. The moments that feel sacred. If you’re looking for a photographer who specializes in documenting intentional courthouse weddings, learn more about my Houston elopement photography experience.
This guide walks you through exactly how to plan a courthouse elopement in Houston, from the marriage license to ceremony options, to photo locations (yes, including the iconic 1910 courthouse), to a timeline that actually feels calm.
Houston courthouse elopement at a glance
- Best for: couples who want a legal ceremony with an intimate, romantic vibe and no big production
- Most common ceremony options:
- City of Houston Municipal Courts wedding ceremonies
- Harris County Justice of the Peace ceremony
- A licensed officiant (pastor, minister, etc.) + a quick ceremony outside the courthouse (or another meaningful spot) City of Houston / Harris County Justice Courts
- Marriage license basics in Harris County:
- Apply in person at one of the clerk’s locations
- Standard fee is $81 with proof of state residency (or $181 without)
- Texas has a 72-hour waiting period after issuance (with certain exceptions)
- The ceremony must happen within 90 days Harris County Clerk
- Photo pro tip: The 1910 Harris County Courthouse is one of the most timeless backdrops in downtown Houston for portraits. Texas Courts
What counts as a “courthouse elopement” in Houston
In real life, “courthouse wedding” can mean a few different things in Houston:
- A legal civil ceremony performed by a judge or court official.
- A short ceremony at the courthouse (or nearby), then portraits around downtown.
- A legal ceremony on paper, with a “just us” vow moment right after (which is where the emotion really pours out).
And honestly, this is why courthouse elopements photograph so beautifully. They’re usually smaller, more present, and full of genuine reactions.
Step 1: Choose where you want the ceremony
Option A: City of Houston Municipal Courts wedding ceremony
If you want something straightforward with a set system for scheduling, the City of Houston Municipal Courts offers wedding ceremonies at the Herbert W. Gee Municipal Courthouse.
Here are the key details to know:
- You must have a valid Texas marriage license before scheduling
- Guest limit: up to 10 guests
- When: Monday–Friday 1:30 PM–3:30 PM ($100) and Saturdays 9:00 AM–12:30 PM ($150)
- Where: Herbert W. Gee Municipal Courthouse, 1400 Lubbock Street, Houston, TX 77002
- They also note you must wait 72 hours after purchase of your marriage license, and the ceremony cannot be performed after 90 days from the purchase date City of Houston
This is a great route if you want clear expectations and a simple, clean legal process.
Option B: A Harris County Justice of the Peace ceremony
Justices of the Peace may perform marriage ceremonies in Harris County, and the best move is to contact the specific JP you’re interested in to confirm whether they perform ceremonies, plus their fees and scheduling process. Harris County Justice Courts
This option can be perfect if you want:
- a weekday ceremony time that fits your work schedule
- a smaller, quieter vibe than a busier ceremony window
- a little more flexibility
Option C: A licensed officiant + a meaningful spot downtown
If your dream is something like: vows on courthouse steps, prayer together, a quiet exchange of letters, then portraits downtown, you can absolutely build that.
Harris County outlines who is authorized to conduct a marriage ceremony in Texas, including ordained ministers/priests, rabbis, certain religious officers, and various judges (including municipal court judges and justices of the peace). Harris County Clerk
If you’re faith-centered, this is often the route couples love because it allows you to invite a pastor or trusted officiant into the moment.
Step 2: Get your marriage license in Harris County
This is the part that makes it legal-legal, so here’s the simple version.
Where to apply
Harris County marriage licenses are handled by the Harris County Clerk. The clerk notes that both applicants can apply in person at one of their locations (they list 11 locations) and a valid ID is required. Harris County Clerk
How much it costs
- $81 with proof of state residency on a valid form of identification from at least one applicant
- $181 without proof of state residency Harris County Clerk
The waiting period
Harris County notes a 72-hour waiting period after you purchase your license. Harris County Clerk
City of Houston Municipal Courts also repeats this requirement for their ceremonies. City of Houston
How long the license is valid
Harris County notes the license should be signed by the officiant no more than 90 days from the date of issuance. Harris County Clerk
Good news: witnesses are not required
Harris County explicitly notes that witnesses are not required to purchase the license or attend the ceremony. Harris County Clerk
Want to waive the 72-hour wait and save money
Harris County shares that completing a premarital education course through Twogether in Texas can provide:
- up to $60 off the marriage license fee
- waive the 72-hour waiting period (with completion certificate presented at application) Harris County Clerk
After the ceremony
Harris County also explains the license needs to be returned for recording, either in person at a location or by mail, and that originals can take time to be returned. Harris County Clerk
Friendly reminder: rules and fees can change, so always double-check the official pages before you go.
For a full breakdown of courthouse, intimate, and adventure elopements, I’ve put together a complete elopement planning guide to help you feel confident every step of the way.
Step 3: Pick the courthouse locations that photograph like a dream
If you want courthouse photos that feel classic, romantic, and timeless, downtown Houston delivers.
The 1910 Harris County Courthouse
This is the iconic one. The architecture is unreal, the steps feel grand, and it instantly elevates your gallery.
Address: 301 Fannin Street, Houston, TX 77002 Texas Courts
I photographed a courthouse elopement here that was full of intention and pure joy, and even the rain turned cinematic (clear umbrellas forever) You can check it out here!
A few notes as you plan:
- Downtown courthouses often have security and courthouse-specific rules, especially indoors.
- If you’re hoping for indoor moments, plan ahead and stay flexible.
If you want your courthouse wedding documented with intention and ease, you can explore my elopement photography collections to see what working together looks like.
What to bring to your Houston courthouse elopement
Keep it simple. Keep it meaningful.
Here’s my go-to list:
- Marriage license (and any paperwork confirmations)
- Valid IDs (even if you “shouldn’t need them,” it’s worth having them)
- Rings
- A vow book or handwritten letters
- A small bouquet (even a mini one photographs beautifully)
- A handkerchief or tissues
- A clear umbrella (Houston weather loves a plot twist)
- Comfortable shoes for walking downtown (you can always swap for portraits)
What to wear for a courthouse elopement in Houston
Courthouse elopements are where you can go:
- chic and editorial
- classic and timeless
- simple and elegant
A few style tips that photograph beautifully downtown:
- Solid colors and clean textures (satins, crepe, linen blends)
- Movement (a slit, a veil, a lighter train you can carry easily)
- Neutral tones if you want that soft, romantic, cinematic look
- For suits: a well-tailored jacket always wins, even if you ditch the tie later
If you want to include faith in small ways, I love when couples bring:
- a Bible for a quiet moment together
- a meaningful cross necklace
- a letter with a prayer over your marriage
Sample Houston courthouse elopement timelines
These are designed to feel calm, not rushed.
90-minute simple courthouse elopement timeline
- Arrive + get through security, take a breath
- Ceremony
- Quick “just married” moment outside
- Portraits on the courthouse steps + nearby streets
Perfect if you want something short, sweet, and still beautiful.
2-hour courthouse elopement timeline
- 15 min: arrive, settle in, final touch-ups
- 15 min: ceremony
- 10 min: hugs, quick family photos (if you brought guests)
- 60 min: portraits at the courthouse + a second downtown spot
- 20 min: champagne pop or celebratory walk
This is my favorite coverage window for couples who want a full story without making it a whole production.
3 to 4-hour courthouse elopement plus celebration
- Getting ready details (optional, but so worth it)
- Ceremony
- Portraits at the 1910 courthouse + downtown
- Dinner celebration, rooftop cocktails, or a cozy dessert stop
This is for the couples who want it intimate, but still want their day to feel like a day.
Tips to make your courthouse elopement feel elevated
A courthouse elopement can be simple and still feel like you.
Here are my favorite ways to elevate it:
- Write private vows even if you don’t read them in the courtroom.
- Plan one “we did it” moment (champagne, coffee date, dessert, first dance in an empty space).
- Build in breathing room. The calm is what makes the photos feel real.
- Choose one iconic photo spot (hello, 1910 courthouse steps). Texas Courts
- If faith is part of your story, pray together before you walk in. It shifts the whole tone of the day.
Houston courthouse elopement FAQ
Do we have to wait 72 hours after getting our marriage license in Texas
In Harris County, there is a 72-hour waiting period after purchase, and the City of Houston Municipal Courts also requires you to wait 72 hours after the date of purchase for ceremonies performed there. Harris County Clerk
How long is a Harris County marriage license valid
Harris County notes the license should be signed by the officiant no more than 90 days from issuance. Harris County Clerk
How many guests can we bring
For City of Houston Municipal Courts ceremonies, guests are welcome but are limited to 10 guests. City of Houston
Do we need witnesses
Harris County states witnesses are not required to purchase the marriage license or attend the ceremony. Harris County Clerk
How much is a marriage license in Harris County
Harris County lists $81 with proof of state residency (from at least one applicant), or $181 without. Harris County Clerk
Can a Justice of the Peace marry us
Yes, Justices of the Peace may perform marriage ceremonies in Harris County. You’ll want to contact the specific JP for scheduling and fees. Harris County Justice Courts
Where is the 1910 Harris County Courthouse
It’s in downtown Houston at 301 Fannin Street, Houston, Texas 77002. Texas Courts
Can we take photos at the 1910 courthouse
It’s a popular spot for portraits and has stunning architecture. Indoor access and rules can vary, so plan for flexibility and be ready to pivot if needed.
Ready to plan your own Houston courthouse elopement
If you want a courthouse day that feels romantic, calm, and true to you, I would love to help you plan the photography side of it and document it in a way that brings you right back to the way it felt.
If you want to see what a real courthouse elopement looks like at the 1910 courthouse (rain, romance, champagne pop, all of it), check out my recent post: “Carla & Cody’s Romantic Houston Courthouse Elopement” and then reach out through my inquiry form when you’re ready. Cardinal Photography
Your love story deserves to be photographed with intention. Let’s create something beautiful together.
Planning a Houston courthouse elopement and want it documented beautifully? I would love to help you plan, guide, and capture your day in a way that feels meaningful and true to you. You can view my Houston elopement photography experience or start your elopement photography inquiry to begin planning your day.
